As of October 31, 2024, a critical change in UK import regulations was due to come into affect, as the waiver for safety and security declarations for imports from the EU was set to cease. This date has now been postponed to January 31, 2025, so if your business relies on imports from the EU, it’s essential to understand these changes to ensure smooth and compliant shipments, which we advise you prepare for via the new HMRC engagement sessions due in the coming weeks.
What Is a Safety and Security Declaration?
The Safety and Security (S&S) declaration is a mandatory customs requirement aimed at enhancing border security by providing authorities with details about goods being imported. It enables border agencies to assess potential risks, such as illicit trafficking or threats to national security, before goods arrive.
These declarations include information about the goods, such as their description, origin, destination, and transport details. For imports into the UK from the EU, this will become a compulsory step in the logistics process starting January 31, 2025.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Before Brexit, safety and security declarations were not required for movements between the UK and the EU, as they were part of the same customs territory. However, since the UK’s departure from the EU, and as part of the phased introduction of its own customs control measures, the UK is reintroducing this requirement to align with international standards and ensure border security.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
For UK businesses importing from the EU, the introduction of these declarations means an extra layer of compliance in your logistics operations. To avoid costly delays and disruptions, it’s important to start preparing now.
Who Is Responsible?
Typically, the carrier of record is responsible for submitting the safety and security declaration. This is the operator of the active means of transport on, or in, which the goods are brought into the customs territory.
It is the carrier’s responsibility to make sure that the declaration is submitted within the legal time limits, and it must only be done by a representative or third party, such as Denholm Good Logistics, with the carrier’s knowledge and consent.
What if goods are travelling by roll-on roll-off (RoRo)?
If your goods are travelling by roll-on roll-off, then the haulage company is responsible for lodging the declaration for accompanied goods.
The ferry operator is responsible for lodging the declaration for unaccompanied goods, more information can be found on the GOV.UK website here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safety-and-security-requirements-on-imports-and-exports
What if goods are travelling by air or sea?
If your goods are travelling by air or sea, the legal requirement is with the party that has contracted and issued the bill of lading or an air waybill, for the carriage of the goods into Great Britain or Northern Ireland. For sea, this means the shipping company is responsible, and for air, the airline.
At Denholm Good Logistics, we understand that the introduction of the Safety and Security declaration brings new challenges to UK importers and we will bring you new updates as they are released.
If you are experiencing challenges outside of these declarations and require assistance with UK customs regulations and processes, contact us today.
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